Childhood Arthritis Backpack Program

The Beckmann backpacks for children between the ages of 4-12 were selected based on recommended guidelines from the Canadian Orthopaedic Foundation and have been reviewed by a physiotherapist and an occupational therapist. We offer different sizes and styles of the backpack depending on the age of your child. Each backpack has broad straps, padding, and waist support to minimize strain on the vulnerable joints of young people with arthritis

Each backpack includes:

• an instructional video for parents and caregivers about how to fit, pack, and safely wear the backpack
• an awareness video for teachers
• a plush animal with a removable warming and cooling pack to ease sore joints
• a family informational resource about helping young people live well with arthritis
• pencil grips and zipper pulls
• an award-winning children’s book that explains chronic pain
• an illustrated booklet that shares the experiences of other children living with arthritis

A video that has been produced to help you and your child understand how to fit, pack and safely wear their backpack.

We collaborated with Take a Pain Check Foundation to create our teen backpack from scratch. A lot of care and attention went into the design of this backpack. Matt & Nat, the Canadian company behind the backpack, created multiple prototypes in the lead up to the final design, which has broad straps, back padding, waist support, and a removable chest strap to minimize the strain on your joints, while still embracing a sleek, aesthetic design. The backpacks are vegan, cruelty-free, and eco-conscious, made entirely from recycled materials. Backpack contents were selected based on recommendations from rheumatologists, teens, physiotherapists and occupational therapists who have advanced training in arthritis care. 

Each backpack includes: 

• a resource list to help connect you to programs, resources, and research
• a plush-covered hot/cold pack contains a gel that retains heat or cold. Warm it in the microwave or cool it in the freezer to suit your specific needs
• a jar gripper made of silicone, this product provides extra grip to help open jars or containers.
• an electric toothbrush to reduce the effort and strain required to brush your teeth effectively
• pencil grips to make different writing tools more comfortable to use
• zipper pulls that can be added to zippers to make them easier to open and close
• a pill box to help you organize and store your medications safely
• a rheumy bear to provide comfort and care

Interested in helping to promote our teen backpack program? Join our Backpack Ambassador Program! Backpack ambassadors will actively engage on social media, spreading awareness about arthritis and promoting the backpack. To become a Backpack Ambassador, please email backpack@arthritis.ca.